Having a child with a special need is taxing and can have a tremendous impact on one's family. There is no question that the additional effort and uncertainty associated with caring for a child with special needs increases the stress level of everyone in the family. As adults, we generally have better coping skills on how to navigate and deal with the extra stress. But we can’t forget the siblings of the child who has special needs. Their family life is naturally different than that of their peers but my hope is that it enables these kids to have more patience and empathy, and in generally makes them stronger. I recently asked Kelcie to express what it is like to have a sister with special needs. This is what she wrote: Hello! I’m Kelcie, the older sister of Kayla. I have lived with Kayla for about 7 ½ years of my life, and it has been quite the journey. Living with Kayla has been a long adventure for me and I am looking forward for … [Read more...]
A Big Thank You to WCAX
I would like to thank WCAX television for recently having Kayla's Directory on their "The :30" program, the 5:30pm weekday local talk show. A friend of mine, Kevin Pellon, who believes strongly in the mission of Kayla’s Directory was exceptionally persistent over several weeks networking with WCAX to encourage them to highlight Kayla's Directory on their show. His efforts paid off and not only was I invited to be interviewed but they requested Kayla be there as well! Needless to say, when they made this request, my anxiety spiked. It was a live show! There would be no editing. Although I knew the interview would probably go fine, I could not help but imagine the worse. Afterall, as I have said many times, children like Kayla on the autism spectrum can be particularly unpredictable. Kayla in particular likes routines and dislikes surprises and she is very sensitive to noise. Who knew how she might react in a television studio - what … [Read more...]
Amazing Partnership at Northern Lights
Prior to adding a service to Kayla’s Directory, I like to get feedback from someone who has experienced the activity, place, or service being offered. I also like to check things out personally and make sure they are suitable, safe, and fun for children with special needs. As the growing list of services listed on Kayla's Directory indicates, I have come to realize there are a bunch of amazing activities in Vermont that children with special needs can access. I am especially happy to add a new one to the directory: Northern Lights Center in Essex. I visited Northern Lights recently to see what types of programs they offer children with special needs and was blown away by their offerings. Northern Lights Rock and Ice in Essex is a ropes and ice-climbing facility that caters to all types of individuals. They offer team building experience, summer camps, individual lessons, and group lessons. They also cater to programs in the … [Read more...]
Flynn Center for the Performing Arts embraces autism friendly performances
I have some great friends. Time and time again they have been there to help me with Kayla whether it be looking after her for a few hours or sharing an understanding ear as I vent about the latest autism-related issue. Like me, over the past few years they have all gained tremendous insight into what it is like to have a child with special needs and have shown a tremendous amount of empathy and support. This week I had a friend mention something about “trying to plan things around Kayla so that a particular event could have had more impact”. My response was pretty simple: I can plan everything to the best of my ability and try to control Kayla’s environment so that it makes it easier for her but it can all be for naught: I never know when Kayla might have an emotional meltdown and not be able to hold it together. That is what it is like having a child with autism - incredibly unpredictable. Needless to say, bringing Kayla to a … [Read more...]
STAR baskteball comes to an end with UVM basketball team
As I walked up the stairs for STAR basketball you could hear all the action of balls bouncing on the court, kids laughing, and feet running. It was the last day of the STAR basketball program - a program for children with special needs that has grown from 10 children to over 30 in just four years. Via the efforts and generosity of the Capano family, The Edge, and South Burlington High School, 32 children all with various disabilities have come together to learn and play basketball. The positive impact it has had on them in obvious in their happy expressions. This program has made an incredible impact on children with special needs. Thirty-two children challenged by a variety of disabilities are out on one basketball court and having a fun. It is a beautiful thing to see. As usual, Leslie and Chris Capano have thought of everything: structuring the program, matching students up, getting t-shirts for children and mentors, … [Read more...]